Silver Nanoparticles Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Electronics & Electrical, Healthcare, Food & Beverages, Textiles), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2015 - 2022

Industry Insights

The global silver nanoparticles market size was valued at USD 792.1 million in 2014, expanding at a CAGR of 17.5% over the forecast period. Rising product demand from various industries including electronics, appliances, textiles, and medical is driving the market. Furthermore, increasing the application scope of silver nanoparticles in chemicals, catalysts, silver conductive inks, and optical electronics is expected to fuel the market growth.

These particles are used as an ingredient for air purifiers, water purifiers, and inks that are used in inkjet applications. Rising demand for radio frequency identification (RFI) devices in developed and developing regions owing to the growth of the electronics industry is expected to fuel the market growth over the projected period.

The growing need for touchscreens, LED and OLED displays and lighting in devices such as mobile phones, computers, and kiosks is anticipated to augment the demand for silver nanoparticles in the electronics sector over the projected period. Early adoption of technology in North America, coupled with increasing production of electronic devices, has led to market growth.

The product has gained tremendous popularity in electronic applications owing to the growing trend of gadget miniaturization. Furthermore, high electrical and thermal conductivity, high stability under various environmental conditions, and resistance to corrosion have increased its utilization in manufacturing electronic devices.

Increasing R&D activities, coupled with technological advancements to develop “improved” nanoparticles, is expected to fuel market growth over the forecast period. However, regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Commission have restricted commercialization of silver nanoparticles, which is likely to hamper silver nanoparticles market growth over the forecast period.

These nanoparticles are also used in the textile and fabric industry owing to increasing application scope in sportswear, automobile textiles, military clothing, and military textiles. This is expected to provide new opportunities for the industry. In addition, increasing applications in the healthcare and food and beverages industries is projected to support the industry growth.

Application Insights

Healthcare emerged as the largest application segment in 2014 and is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. The growing need for prevention of microbial and fungal infections in hospitals, coupled with high sensitivity and calibration exhibited by silver nanoparticle enhanced equipment, is likely to be a key factor boosting the segment growth.

The textile application segment is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 15.4% over the forecast period. Product suitability for automotive textiles and military clothing is likely to augment the segment growth on account of rising military investments in developing countries.

The electronics and electrical sector is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period on account of rising demand for the latest technology gadgets across the globe. An increase in demand for products having higher operational and shelf life, high processing capability, and enhanced functional properties are expected to fuel the growth of the silver nanoparticles industry.

Silver nanoparticles are also finding their applications in wastewater treatment and ecosystem management. Increasing investments in improving the environment and increasing recycling operations have led to a rise in product demand.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest market share in 2014, owing to new product developments and a growing preference for advanced electronic devices in the region. Rising investments in R&D by key regional players to improve product quality and optimize the cost are anticipated to fuel industry growth.

The product demand in the U.S. is majorly driven by healthcare and textile applications owing to increasing consumer spending on lifestyle improvements. Moreover, enhancements in the country’s military operations have led to an increase in the production of military clothing, thus positively influencing the market growth.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to register a CAGR of 16.2% over the projected period on account of technological advancements, coupled with increasing disposable income of consumers. Increasing applications in the healthcare and electronics and electrical sector in the region are anticipated to drive the product demand in the forecast period.

Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 14.2% over the estimated period owing to rising product demand in food and beverage applications. Furthermore, the increasing manufacturing of electronics and electrical devices owing to favorable regulations and penetration of international manufacturers in the region are supporting the growth of this industry.

Silver Nanoparticles Market Share Insights

The majority of the manufacturers are engaged in long-term contracts with the customers that develop components using nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are not commercialized and have limited applications owing to which the customers procure them directly from the manufacturers.

Manufacturing of silver nanoparticles requires skilled labor and high initial investment, which is likely to be a key concern for the new market entrants. Existing manufacturers are expected to form strategic partnerships with the end-users in order to maintain the customer base and lower the threat of emerging players.

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